Redding police cruiser crashes during Thursday chase

A Redding police officer pursuing a suspect in a Ford Mustang crashed late Thursday night at the intersection of Bechelli Lane and South Bonneyview Road in Redding, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Redding police Sgt. Mike Wood said the chase started at about 10:46 p.m. Thursday when a pair of officers tried to stop the Mustang near Buenaventura Boulevard and Highway 273. The driver sped north on 273 to Parkview Avenue on the south side of Redding City Hall.

The chase then moved to Cypress Avenue then Bechelli Lane, where the Mustang turned south and drove to South Bonnyview Road. The crash happened as an officer tried to negotiate a turn on Bechelli just north of South Bonnyview and the police cruiser went into a skid, hitting a raised median.

The chase stretched a total distance of just more than five miles.

The police car sustained damage to the front axle and front passenger door and was towed away.

CHP Sgt. Matt Larsen said no one was injured in the crash.

The Mustang's driver got away and then abandoned the vehicle, fleeing into a field.

Police do not yet know the driver's identity but ask anyone with information to call 225-4200.